Rare "The Little Ones' Zoo" Chromolithograph Toy Set by McLoughlin Bros. C.1905
By McLoughlin Brothers
Located in Incline Village, NV
Rare and fabulous, untouched, for the discerning collector, fine quality, late Victorian era, children's menagerie play set of (18) cut-out chromolithograph die cut stand up figures...
Wood, Paper composite
1920's German Airplane Penny Toy by Kellerman (Mounted on Marx "Lucky Stunt")
Located in Incline Village, NV
Great item for toy collectors and those who collect aeronautical items. Being offered is a very rare German Penny Toy from the 1920’s, manufactured by the well known, and quality toy...
Tin
Lot of Deer, Rabbit & Hunter Putz Toy Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of 14 Putz stick-legged Deers, Bunny Rabbits, Fox and a Hunter. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativity scene or paradise yard garden figures. As...
Composition
Shepherd & Wooly Sheep Putz Toy Set Antique German Christmas 1900s, original Box
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of eleven Putz stick-legged sheep with a shepherd boy and his dog. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativity scene figures. As they are all old, mo...
Composition
Lot of Five Sheep Nativity Putz Toy Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1880s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of five Putz stick-legged sheep. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativity scene figures. As they are all old, most show the expected signs of age ...
Composition
Lot of Five Deer & Hunter Putz Toy Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1880s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of five Putz stick-legged Deers and a Hunter. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativity scene figures. As they are all old, most show the expected ...
Composition
German Tinplate Clockwork Wind Up Toy by the Lehman Co. "Balky Mule" Circa 1909
By E.P. Lehman Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
Perhaps the wildest action of all the Lehman toys, said to resemble Ernest Paul Lehman's temperament (founder of the company), "Balky Mule" was first manufactured in 1897 in Berlin (...
Tin
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Fetching Folk Art British 19th Century Rocking Horse with Glass Eyes
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Wonderful 19th century nursery rocking horse having charming detailed head with a dished face and flared nostrils. He retains his original saddle and leather stirrups and is mounted ...
Glass, Wood
Toy Cast Iron Truck Car Carrier; Three Cars by A.C. Williams American Circa 1930
By A.C. Williams Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
Founded in 1886, the A.C. Williams Toy Company in Ravenna, Ohio, manufactured this toy circa 1930. This cast iron truck car carrier loaded with three blue "Austin" sedans ("Austin" e...
Iron
Antique English Rocking Horse
Located in Calgary, Alberta
Charming 19th-century English rocking horse of provincial construction, crafted in pine with original black-painted rockers. The stylised form features applied ears, painted eyes, an...
Pine
Antique Gold-Plated Ormolu Picture Frame by Erhard & Söhne, 1900s
By Erhard & Söhne
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare in Gold plated ormulu frame is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful intricate design, it is suitable for any room and add...
Metal, Ormolu
large Santa Claus Belsnickel Papermache Candy Container German Christmas 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 20th Century German Belsnickle / Santa Claus Candy Container, Paper Mâché & Cardboard This beautiful German Belsnickle / Santa Claus candy container dates to the early 20t...
Paper
large Santa Claus Belsnickel Papermache Candy Container German Christmas 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 20th Century German Belsnickle / Santa Claus Candy Container, Paper Mâché & Cardboard This beautiful German Belsnickle / Santa Claus candy container dates to the early 20t...
Paper
Santa Claus Belsnickel Papermache Candy Container German Christmas 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 20th Century German Belsnickle / Santa Claus Candy Container, Paper Mâché & Cardboard This beautiful German Belsnickle / Santa Claus candy container dates to the early 20t...
Paper
Antique American Primitive Handmade Gliding Rocking Hobby Horse
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique American primitive handmade gliding rocking hobby horse Additional information: Materials: Iron, Leather, Wood Color: Antique White Period: 19th Century Styles: Ameri...
Iron
Santa Claus Belsnickel Papermache Candy Container German Christmas 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 20th Century German Belsnickle / Santa Claus Candy Container, Paper Mâché, wood & Cardboard This beautiful German Belsnickle / Santa Claus candy container dates to the early 2...
Paper
Santa Claus Belsnickel Papermache Candy Container German Christmas 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 20th Century German Belsnickle / Santa Claus Candy Container, Paper Mâché, wood & Cardboard This beautiful German Belsnickle / Santa Claus candy container dates to the early 2...
Paper
Santa Claus Belsnickel Papermache Candy Container German Christmas 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 20th Century German Belsnickle / Santa Claus Candy Container, Paper Mâché & Cardboard This beautiful German Belsnickle / Santa Claus candy container dates to the early 20th ce...
Paper
Mechanical Bank "Pelican, " Made of Cast Iron, circa 1878
By John Gerrard
Located in Incline Village, NV
The Pelican Mechanical Bank is made of cast iron and was manufactured by The J. & E. Steven's Manufacturing Company, in Cromwell, Connecticut in 1878. It was, however, created by Joh...
Iron
"Lady Seated in Chair Reading" Money Box/ Still Bank by A. Biagioni, Circa 1925
Located in Incline Village, NV
Penny bank made by Italian Angelo Biagioni for the French market (see image with marking on the back of the chair), circa 1910. Biagioni, born in 1870, was a well known sculptor who ...
Pottery
Pink Pig Lucky Charm Mohair Composition Candy Container, Antique, Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique Pink Pig Candy Container, Austria, Early 1900s A charming antique pink pig candy container dating to the early 1900s, beautifully crafted from paper mâché and covered in sof...
Composition
Antique Miniature German Boule Biedermeier Dollhouse Bed Room Furniture 1860-90s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German wooden Boule Bedroom Furniture set with fine golden transfers, dated about 1860s to 1890s. Made by one of the famous German toy compa...
Wood
Marx "Wonder Cyclist" American Circa 1930
By Louis Marx and Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
Marx "Wonder Cyclist" is the earlier version of this wind-up "Boy on a Tricycle" toy; and not to be confused with the later version by Unique Art called "Kiddy Cyclist". This toy fea...
Metal
Mechanical Bank "Saluting Sailor", circa 1920s
By Saalheimer & Strauss
Located in Incline Village, NV
This mechanical bank "Saluting Sailor" was manufactured in the 1920s by Saalheimer & Strauss Company in Germany. It is in excellent all original condition and brightly hand painted i...
Tin
$956Sale Price|20% Off
19thc Doll Buggy in Original Paint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This amazing all original painted and hand made construction doll buggy or carriage and is in fine condition.
Wood
Vintage Cast Iron Book of Knowledge Mechanical Bank, Punch & Judy, 20th Century
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hand-painted cast iron mechanical bank "Punch and Judy Bank." A vintage book of knowledge Punch & Judy mechanical bank offers polychrome cast construction with puppet stage and figu...
Iron
Antique Gold-Plated Ormolu Picture Frame France, 1880s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An exquisite antique French photo frame from the Belle Époque era, richly adorned with ornate gilt metal detailing and elevated on elegant ball feet. The thick bevelled crystal glass...
Metal, Ormolu
Three Antique Grulich Christmas Nativity Scene Landscape Parts for Decoration
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Rare Antique Grulich Nativity Scene Decoration parts — Late 19th Century This rare and culturally significant nativity figure scene parts originates from the historic Krá...
Wood
Mechanical Bank 'Sentry', circa 1925
By Saalheimer & Strauss
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Sentry" tin mechanical bank is very difficult to find, having been made in Germany by the company Saalheimer & Strauss for the British market. The rifle and the push lever on top of...
Tin
Mechanical Bank Speaking Dog By The Shepard Co Ca 1885; with Original Wooden Box
By Shepard Hardware Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
Manufactured in 1884 by the Shepard Hardware Company in Buffalo, New York, this cast iron mechanical bank measures 7 1/8" long and is in excellent all original condition and paint, ...
Iron
19th Century Child's Platform Rocking Horse "Glider". American. Circa 1875
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is an absolutely charming piece and a wonderful example of Americana, a must have for the collector of children's items, teddy bears and doll collectors, or for those just wanti...
Wood, Leather
Antique 1910s German Santa Claus Belsnickle Figure on Sleigh pulled by Pink Pig
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German Santa Claus Belsnickle Sleigh with Pig and Toys, circa 1900 A rare and charming example of early German Christmas craftsmanship, this Antique Santa Claus Belsnickle f...
Composition
Five Mechanical Bank Trade Cards in Frame, circa 1880s
By J. & E. Steven's Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
Five mechanical bank trade cards are displayed in two separate frames. In one frame are three polychrome trade cards, which the salesmen typically carried with them in a catalogue to...
Paper
Antique French Marionette
Located in Houston, TX
We found this wonderful 19th century French Marionette in Rouen France. The puppet, and its art form, have been a mainstay of French cultural life for hundreds of years and is integr...
Fabric, Wood
Antique French Marionette
Located in Houston, TX
We found this wonderful 19th century French marionette in Rouen France. The puppet, and its art form, have been a mainstay of French cultural life for hundreds of years and is integr...
Fabric, Wood
Stunning Nuremberg Gingerbread Candy Container, Antique German Christmas 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Amazing and rare round shaped box, hand crafted in cardboard dating from the 1910s or older. The top of the box shows i view of the Nuremberg Castle in 3d optic. This antique box is ...
Composition
Pig & Chimney Sweep Lucky Charm, Candy Secret Chamber Container, Antique, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful golden pig candy container or container with secret chamber. Made from white metal, hand painted with cold paint like the bronze Vienna miniatures. Such items are given a...
Metal
Collection of Pig & Chimney Sweep Lucky Charm Figurines, Antique Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful collection of golden rabbit, pig and Chimney Sweep lucky charm figurines. Made from white metal, pewter or composition (putz) and hand painted with cold paint like the br...
Composition, Metal
Collection of Three Pig in Pot Lucky Charm Figurines Antique German 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful collection of golden pig lucky charm figurines. Made from china porcelain. Such items are given away as good luck charms on New Year's Eve. Nice addition to your Christma...
Composition, Metal
Large Devil or Krampus Marionette by a Master Puppet Maker, Antique Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a wonderful depiction of Krampus or the devil puppet. The item is approximately 32 inches tall and has a skeleton, arms and legs made of wood. Height was measured from foot t...
Composition, Metal, Brass
American Country Folk Art Tricycle Model / Toy
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19/20th Century) folk art tricycle model / toy with a metal frame and red painted wooden trim.
Metal
Traditional Japanese folk toy "Temari" (decorative ball) / Early 20th century
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This piece is especially recommended for collectors of Japanese folk toys and mingei (folk art). Please enjoy the simple yet profound beauty of this object, preserved through the pas...
Cotton
Vintage Asian Wooden Toy Horse, red, orange
Located in San Diego, CA
Asian vintage wood horse, with chain and opening in center. This piece shows signs of the years gone by and we feel the time worn feel adds more character. Period is an estimate, not...
Metal
Antique Asian Hindu Bronze Temple Toy Camel on Wheels
By Rajhastani
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Inspired by a scene from Ramakian or Ramayan, the Indian epic Rama and Sita. Antique Indian Temple Toy bronze camel on wheels. Antique hindu bronze temple camel with rider statue toy...
Bronze
Swedish Antique Toy Rocking Horse, All Original, Origin: Sweden, circa 1870
Located in New York, NY
Swedish antique toy rocking horse, origin: Sweden, circa 1870 - 1900. Beautiful, untouched, original condition including the paint, leather saddle, girth and stirrups. The tail and ...
Iron
Rare American Folk Art Painted Carved Giraffe Sculpture, Pennsylvania ca. 1850
Located in Shippensburg, PA
VERY RARE CARVED AND POLYCHROMED WOOD GIRAFFE PULL TOY Probably Pennsylvania, circa 1850-80 36 5/8" H x 10 1/4" D x 12 1/2" W A rare American folk art pull-toy in the stylized form...
Wood
19th Century Rif Terracotta Toy Cow – Moroccan Berber Pottery with Linear Motifs
Located in Marrakech, MA
An exceptional, rare antique terracotta cow, traditionally hand-modeled by women in the mountainous Rif region of Morocco as a children's toy. While similar ornamental animals are st...
Terracotta, Ceramic
Children as well as nostalgic grown-ups are still finding pleasure in toys and objects designed specifically for playtime that are, in comparison to today’s digital device-oriented distractions, far more modest in nature. Indeed, antique, new and vintage toys of years past — handmade folk-art toys such as wooden train sets, dolls, rocking horses and more — can be enjoyed by the young and old alike. In contemporary interiors, gently aging toys are wonderfully uncomplicated decorative objects primed for display in a cabinet or other case piece.
With their romantic appeal and frequent incorporation of natural materials, some vintage toys and folk-art toys are treasured collectibles, showcasing the beauty of handmade craftsmanship. Alongside other works characterized as folk art — in this case, visual art, typically reflective of a community’s culture and usually handmade by craftspeople working within a popular tradition — handcrafted vintage toys are historical works of art worthy of any collector’s mantel. These are toys that tell a story of the time in which they were produced and the people who produced them.
Like any artifact, toys provide a window into the past. The ornamental dolls of the Victorian era, for example, produced in Germany and England, made of ceramics such as porcelain and dressed in textured fabrics, speak to the fashion of the era and will add a pop of color and a decorative flourish to the neutral corners of your home.
Mid-century modern toys are as sophisticated as the widely cherished furniture of the era. As much as they thought good design for the home should be available for all, iconic American design duo Charles and Ray Eames believed in making durable and interesting products for kids too. Today, their Eames Elephant is available from Vitra and Herman Miller, and it doesn’t even require a digital screen.
Explore a unique collection of antique and vintage toys as well as folk-art toys on 1stDibs.
At Waddesdon Manor, artist Joana Vasconcelos has installed a three-tiered patisserie inspired by the narrative tile work of her homeland. We take a look at the cake sculpture and how Portuguese tiles have been used in architecture from the 17th century to today.
The streets of fin-de-siècle Paris were set aglow with colorful poster ads, thanks to the printing techniques invented by Jules Chéret. Now, the Milwaukee Art Museum is celebrating this undersung talent in America's first solo show dedicated his exuberant works.
Expert Jeff Bridgman explains the history and meaning behind the twinkling constellations that have graced Old Glory.
The iconoclastic style setter displayed African and Oceanic art, as well as works by indigenous peoples of the Americas, alongside pieces by such major modernists as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock.
Perfect for July 4th weekend, a new show at Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution displays an array of antique red, white and blue flags.
Designers are beginning to see this enigmatic form of folk art in a whole new light.